With a compensatory selection late in the sixth round, the Kansas City Chiefs have added another defensive prospect by taking a much needed space eater along the defensive line in Mississippi defensive tackle Jerrell Powe. At 6-2, 335, Powe will definitely occupy blockers up front and should free up pass rushers like Tamba Hali more than ever.
While his numbers fell last season as a senior to 8.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks (after posting 12 and 3 as a junior), there’s no substitute for Powe’s sheer size and strength. NFL Draft Scout had him as a third round prospect. CBS Sports notes, “Powe’s girth and strength make him an ideal candidate to line up on the nose in the NFL. Considering the number of pro teams switching to the 3-4 alignment, Powe should have plenty of suitors.”
Sports Illustrated had him rated as a possible second round choice and notes his potential:
Coming into the season Powe was justifiably rated as the top nose tackle prospect in the draft, but he had a somewhat disappointing season and watched his stock slip. At the top of his game he’s a powerful presence in the middle of the line and can occupy blockers, allowing his teammates to make plays on the ball. He possesses a good amount of upside but must quickly get his game back on track to achieve the ability scouts believe he has.
At the bottom of the sixth round, Pioli has nothing to lose and everything to gain from taking a massive tackle like this. Ron Edwards is the Chiefs incumbent starter, but any help with an interior rotation will help, especially with Powe’s ability to plug the middle.